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At least 577 records · Page 32

Magnetism and its coexistence with superconductivity in CaK(Fe 0.949 Ni 0.051 ) 4 As 4 : Muon spin rotation/relaxation studies

Here, the magnetic response of Ca K ( Fe 0.949 Ni 0.051 ) 4 As 4 was investigated by means of the muon spin rotation/relaxation. The long-range commensurate magnetic order sets in below the Néel temperature T N = 50.0 ( 5 ) K. The density-functional theory calculations have identified three possible muon stopping sites. The experimental data were found to be consistent with only one type of magnetic structure, namely, the long-range magnetic spin-vortex-crystal order with the hedgehog motif within the a b plane and the antiferromagnetic stacking along the c direction. The value of the ordered magnetic moment at T ≈ 3 K was estimated to be m Fe = 0.38 ( 11 ) μ B ( μ B is the Bohr magneton). A microscopic coexistence of magnetic and superconducting phases accompanied by a reduction of the magnetic order parameter below the superconducting transition temperature T c ≃ 9 K is observed. Comparison with 11, 122, and 1144 families of Fe-based pnictides points to existence of correlation between the reduction of the magnetic order parameter at T → 0 and the ratio of the transition temperatures T c / T N . Such correlations were found to be described by Machida's model for coexistence of itinerant spin-density-wave magnetism and superconductivity [K. Machida, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 50 , 2195 (1981) ; S. L. Bud'ko et al. , Phys. Rev. B 98 , 144520 (2018) ].

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Origin and evolution of the Nakhla meteorite inferred from the Sm-Nd and U-Pb systematics and REE, Ba, Sr, Rb and K abundances

Analyses of whole rock and mineral separates from the Nakhla meteorite are carried out by means of Sm-Nd and U-Tn-Pb systematics and by determining their REE, Ba, Sr, Rb, and K concentrations. Results show that the Sm-Nd age of the meteorite is 1.26 + or - 0.7 b.y., while the high initial epsilon(Nd) value of +16 suggests that Nakhla was derived from a light REE-depleted, old planetary mantle source. A three-stage Sm-Nd evolution model is developed and used in combination with LIL element data and estimated partition coefficients in order to test partial melting and fractional crystallization models and to estimate LIL abundances in a possible Nakhla source. The calculations indicate that partial melting of the source followed by extensive fractional crystallization of the partial melt could account for the REE abundances in the Nakhla constituent minerals. It is concluded that the significantly younger age of Nakhla than the youngest lunar rock, the young differentiation age inferred from U-Th-Pb data, and the estimated LIL abundances suggest that this meteorite may have been derived from a relatively large, well-differentiated planetary body such as Mars.

Nakamura, N.↗

Microstructural evolution of Mo-UO 2 cermets under high temperature hydrogen environments

Ceramic-metallic (cermet) materials show promise for use in nuclear thermal propulsion applications due to attractive thermophysical properties including high temperature stability and high thermal conductivity. In this work, molybdenum-uranium dioxide (Mo-UO 2 ) cermet fuel elements were fabricated by means of spark plasma sintering (SPS) and were subsequently exposed to hydrogen at high temperatures (2500 K). Mo-UO 2 samples pre- and post-exposure were characterized by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microscopy analyses of the as-produced material displayed microscopic cracking on the interior of the spherical UO 2 fuel particles but confirmed that the fuel particles were fully encapsulated in the Mo matrix. The results further showed mass loss, macroscopic swelling, and cracking in the cermet samples which occurred during high temperature hydrogen testing. Nanoscale swelling was evidenced by XRD in the Mo matrix and UO 2 fuel structure due to the incorporation of defects and accompanied microstrain.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nanoscale defect evaluation framework combining real-time transmission electron microscopy and integrated machine learning-particle filter estimation

Observation of dynamic processes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an attractive technique to experimentally analyze materials’ nanoscale phenomena and understand the microstructure-properties relationships in nanoscale. Even if spatial and temporal resolutions of real-time TEM increase significantly, it is still difficult to say that the researchers quantitatively evaluate the dynamic behavior of defects. Images in TEM video are a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional space phenomena, thus missing information must be existed that makes image’s uniquely accurate interpretation challenging. Therefore, even though they are still a clustering high-dimensional data and can be compressed to two-dimensional, conventional statistical methods for analyzing images may not be powerful enough to track nanoscale behavior by removing various artifacts associated with experiment; and automated and unbiased processing tools for such big-data are becoming mission-critical to discover knowledge about unforeseen behavior. We have developed a method to quantitative image analysis framework to resolve these problems, in which machine learning and particle filter estimation are uniquely combined. The quantitative and automated measurement of the dislocation velocity in an Fe-31Mn-3Al-3Si autunitic steel subjected to the tensile deformation was performed to validate the framework, and an intermittent motion of the dislocations was quantitatively analyzed. The framework is successfully classifying, identifying and tracking nanoscale objects; these are not able to be accurately implemented by the conventional mean-path based analysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Measurement of the 239 Pu$(n, f$) prompt fission neutron spectrum from 10 keV to 10 MeV induced by neutrons of energy 1–20 MeV

Although the prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) is an essential component of neutron-driven systems that has been measured for decades, there are still multiple glaring unknowns regarding the PFNS of major actinides in the fission neutron incident energy range, specifically with regard to multichance fission and pre-equilibrium neutron emission processes. The only impactful experimental 239 Pu PFNS measurements included in recent nuclear data evaluations were measured over a limited outgoing neutron energy range at thermal and 1.5-MeV average incident neutron energy, while other potentially impactful measurements have been shown to contain errors that resulted in either large uncertainty increases or in complete exclusion from nuclear data evaluation. Here, we report a measurement of the 239 Pu PFNS over a wide range of incident neutron energy (1–20 MeV) and three orders of magnitude in outgoing neutron energy (0.01–10 MeV) resulting from the Chi-Nu experiment at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. These results are the combination of separate PFNS measurements in the same experimental area, one using a Li-glass and the other a liquid scintillator detector array. Covariances between all PFNS data points from each detector and within each incident energy range were generated between all other data in both detector arrays and within all other incident neutron energy bins, yielding a single covariance matrix for all 1300 PFNS data points reported here. These covariances are based on a thorough assessment of systematic bias and uncertainties associated with the measurement, PFNS extraction technique, combination of data from each detector type, and other aspects of the analysis. The existence of covariances between PFNS data points in different incident neutron energy ranges yielded covariances between average PFNS energy values at each incident energy to be reported here as well, which allowed for firm statements to be made regarding a shape of a purely experimental mean PFNS energy trend for the first time. Although minor PFNS shape differences exist between the results reported here and recent nuclear data evaluations, the ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3 PFNS evaluations agree reasonably well with the present results from 1-to 10-MeV incident neutron energy, which spans the well-measured 1.5-MeV incident neutron energy PFNS from Lestone and Shores as well as the onset of second-chance fission. However, while the pre-equilibrium component of the PFNS above 12-MeV incident neutron energy roughly agrees in position and magnitude with ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3, clear differences relating to the relative magnitude of third-chance fission PFNS features are present in the PFNS shape and in the mean PFNS energy trends.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

An algorithm for automatic reduction of complex signal flow graphs

A computer algorithm is developed that provides efficient means to compute transmittances directly from a signal flow graph or a block diagram. Signal flow graphs are cast as directed graphs described by adjacency matrices. Nonsearch computation, designed for compilers without symbolic capability, is used to identify all arcs that are members of simple cycles for use with Mason's gain formula. The routine does not require the visual acumen of an interpreter to reduce the topology of the graph, and it is particularly useful for analyzing control systems described for computer analyses by means of interactive graphics.

Young, K. R.↗

Absolute rate of the reaction of Cl/2P/ with methane from 200-500 K

Rate constants for the reaction Cl + CH4 yields HCl + CH3 were measured in the range 200-500 K by the plot flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence technique. An Arrhenius plot of the mean rate constant observed at 14 equally spaced temperatures is best fit by the expression k = 5.44 times 10 to the minus 19th times T to the exponent 2.50 times exp(-608/T) cu cm per molecule per sec. Appropriate expressions are also given for the rate constant in the two ranges 200-299 K and 299-500 K. These results are compared with a number of other existing determinations of the rate constant by other methods and in different temperature ranges. Most discrepancies are attributed to the nonlinear Arrhenius behavior.

Whytock, D. A.↗

Vapors-liquid phase separator

The use of porous plugs, mostly with in the form of passive devices with constant area were considered as vapor-liquid phase separators for helium 2 storage vessels under reduced gravity. The incorporation of components with variable cross sectional area as a method of flow rate modification was also investigated. A particular device which uses a shutter-type system for area variation was designed and constructed. This system successfully permitted flor rate changes of up to plus or minus 60% from its mean value.

Frederking, T. H. K.↗

Analysis of beam-like lattice trusses

A simple procedure is presented for predicting the thermoelastic and free vibration responses of large repetitive beam-like trusses. The procedure is based on replacing the original lattice structure by an equivalent continuum beam model and obtaining closed-form (exact) solutions for the beam model. The equivalent beam model accounts for warping and shear deformation in the plane of the cross-section and is characterized by its thermoelastic strain and kinetic energies, from which the equations of motion and constitutive relations can be derived. The high accuracy of the results obtained by the proposed approach is demonstrated by means of numerical examples.

Noor, K.↗

Galactic gamma-ray emission from pulsars

Using data from the most recent pulsar surveys, the contribution of pulsars to the gamma-ray flux from the galactic plane is examined. The assumption is made that pulsar gamma rays are produced by curvature radiation from relativistic particles above the polar cap and attenuated by pair production in the strong magnetic and electric fields. If the assumption is made that all pulsars produce gamma rays in this way, their luminosities can be predicted as a function of period and magnetic field strength. The distribution of pulsars in the Galaxy is determined using data on 328 pulsars detected in three surveys. The Z and R distributions are found to be very sensitive to the mean electron density in the galactic plane, as are the total number and birthrate of pulsars in the Galaxy. Longitude profile of pulsar gamma-ray flux are calculated for different values of the mean electron density.

Harding, A. K.↗

Electromagnetic compatibility overview

An assessment of the electromagnetic compatibility impact of the Satellite Power System is discussed. The discussion is divided into two parts: determination of the emission expected from SPS including their spatial and spectral distributions, and evaluation of the impact of such emissions on electromagnetic systems including considerations of means for mitigating effects.

Davis, K. C.↗

The zonal harmonic and the yearly and half-yearly waves on the Southern Hemisphere in FGGE compared with the mean

The dominant component in the mean annual cycle of sea level pressure in the latitudes north of approx. 40 deg S is the yearly wave, whereas to the south of this latitude a half-yearly wave dominantes. In FGGE, however, the usually small yearly wave was large in the Antarctic, owing to the extraordinarily low pressure there in the winter of 1979. The half-yearly wave's amplitude was appreciably above normal in the center of each ocean in middle latitudes, and below normal at high latitudes. The yearly wave in the zonal geostrophic wind was larger than normal over the Antarctic Ocean. Similar results are obtained at 500 mb. The three month mean stationary waves (zonal harmonic waves) were larger than the mean in FGGE. The intra-annual variation of both amplitude and phase of the monthly mean harmonic waves in FGGE was large, which is not surprising as they contain an appreciable transient component, unlike the long term monthly mean waves.

Vanloon, H.↗

Method of measuring cross-flow vortices by use of an array of hot-film sensors

The invention is a method for measuring the wavelength of cross-flow vortices of air flow having streamlines of flow traveling across a swept airfoil. The method comprises providing a plurality of hot-film sensors. Each hot-film sensor provides a signal which can be processed, and each hot-film sensor is spaced in a straight-line array such that the distance between successive hot-film sensors is less than the wavelength of the cross-flow vortices being measured. The method further comprises determining the direction of travel of the streamlines across the airfoil and positioning the straight-line array of hot film sensors perpendicular to the direction of travel of the streamlines, such that each sensor has a spanwise location. The method further comprises processing the signals provided by the sensors to provide root-mean-square values for each signal, plotting each root-mean-square value as a function of its spanwise location, and determining the wavelength of the cross-flow vortices by noting the distance between two maxima or two minima of root-mean-square values.

Agarwal, Aval K.↗

Thermal stress effects in intermetallic matrix composites

Intermetallic matrix composites develop residual stresses from the large thermal expansion mismatch (delta-alpha) between the fibers and matrix. This work was undertaken to: establish improved techniques to measure these thermal stresses in IMC's; determine residual stresses in a variety of IMC systems by experiments and modeling; and, determine the effect of residual stresses on selected mechanical properties of an IMC. X ray diffraction (XRD), neutron diffraction (ND), synchrotron XRD (SXRD), and ultrasonics (US) techniques for measuring thermal stresses in IMC were examined and ND was selected as the most promising technique. ND was demonstrated on a variety of IMC systems encompassing Ti- and Ni-base matrices, SiC, W, and Al2O3 fibers, and different fiber fractions (Vf). Experimental results on these systems agreed with predictions of a concentric cylinder model. In SiC/Ti-base systems, little yielding was found and stresses were controlled primarily by delta-alpha and Vf. In Ni-base matrix systems, yield strength of the matrix and Vf controlled stress levels. The longitudinal residual stresses in SCS-6/Ti-24Al-llNb composite were modified by thermomechanical processing. Increasing residual stress decreased ultimate tensile strength in agreement with model predictions. Fiber pushout strength showed an unexpected inverse correlation with residual stress. In-plane shear yield strength showed no dependence on residual stress. Higher levels of residual tension led to higher fatigue crack growth rates, as suggested by matrix mean stress effects.

Wright, P. K.↗

A numerical and experimental study of coaxial jets

An algebraic stress model and the standard k-epsilon model is applied to predict the mean and turbulence quantities for axisymmetric, nonswirling coaxial jets without confinement. To investigate the effects of numerical (false) diffusion on the predicted results, three different discretization schemes, namely, hybrid, power-law, and the flux-spline, are employed. In addition, an experimental study is conducted to provide data of good quality, especially near the inlet, for model assessment. The results show that the use of the algebraic stress model leads to better agreement between the numerical results and experimental data.

Nikjooy, M.↗

Experiments at high temperature and pressure - Laser heating through the diamond cell

CW laser heating through a diamond anvil cell by means of a focused Nd:YAG laser has resulted in the achievement of temperatures in the 1500-5000 K range for pressures of 10-100 GPa. Temperatures are determined radiometrically, with an accuracy of about 200 K, and temperature variation across the laser-heated spot is derived by means of spatial filtering with a slit that can be scanned. Melting temperatures are thus determined either on the basis of observed temperature at the liquid-solid interface or on that of the peak temperature at which glass is first produced with increasing laser power.

Jeanloz, R.↗

Response of Surface Shortwave Cloud Radiative Effect to Greenhouse Gases and Aerosols and Its Impact on Summer Maximum Temperature

Shortwave cloud radiative effects (SWCREs), defined as the difference of the shortwave radiative flux between all-sky and clear-sky conditions at the surface, have been reported to play an important role in influencing the Earth's energy budget and temperature extremes. In this study, we employed a set of global climate models to examine the SWCRE responses to CO2, black carbon (BC) aerosols, and sulfate aerosols in boreal summer over the Northern Hemisphere. We found that CO2 causes positive SWCRE changes over most of the NH, and BC causes similar positive responses over North America, Europe, and eastern China but negative SWCRE over India and tropical Africa. When normalized by effective radiative forcing, the SWCRE from BC is roughly 3–5 times larger than that from CO2. SWCRE change is mainly due to cloud cover changes resulting from changes in relative humidity (RH) and, to a lesser extent, changes in cloud liquid water, circulation, dynamics, and stability. The SWCRE response to sulfate aerosols, however, is negligible compared to that for CO2 and BC because part of the radiation scattered by clouds under all-sky conditions will also be scattered by aerosols under clear-sky conditions. Using a multilinear regression model, it is found that mean daily maximum temperature (Tmax) increases by 0.15 and 0.13 K per watt per square meter (W m−2) increase in local SWCRE under the CO2 and BC experiment, respectively. When domain-averaged, the contribution of SWCRE change to summer mean Tmax changes was 10 %–30 % under CO2 forcing and 30 %–50 % under BC forcing, varying by region, which can have important implications for extreme climatic events and socioeconomic activities.

surface shortwave cloud radiative effect↗